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Tag: University of Ibadan

  • Lecturer drags Osun Poly to court over alleged unlawful termination

    Justice Opeloye Ogunbowale of the National Industrial Court, Ibadan Division, on Thursday adjourned until December 11, 2018 a suit filed by Mr Ayobami Lawal, a former Dean of Faculty of Mass Communication, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree.

    The suit also joined the governor and attorney general of the state as co-defendants.

    In the suit filed on his behalf by his counsel, Mr Adenle Adetoye, Lawal is seeking a declaration that the termination of appointment was unjust and unlawful.

    Read Also: OAU medical students reject ‘exploitative’ training fee

    The 62-year-old also prayed the court to immediately reinstate him as the Chief Lecturer and Dean of Faculty.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the plaintiff claimed he was unlawfully disengaged on January 11, 2016, while serving as the dean.

    According to him, the school claimed that it laid him off for not developing himself academically.

    He alleged that it was a ruse to get rid of him because he was an independent minded person.

    The plaintiff claimed that he was employed in the school with HND and a Masters of Communication Arts from the University of Ibadan.

    However, when the matter came up for hearing, the claimant’s counsel asked for a short adjournment date, to file for an amendment of the suit.

  • UI to adopt alternative funding, to reduce dependency on govt

    Upgrades PG school to College

    As the nation’s premier university, the University of Ibadan begins the official programme to celebrate the 70th anniversary; the management on Saturday said arrangements have been concluded to adopting a culture of two-pronged revenue generation drive.

    The management said the strategy was to reduce the institutions dependency on government funding and also achieve prudent management of available resources.

    Vice Chancellor of the Institution, Prof Idowu Olayinka made the disclosure while addressing an International Press Conference to herald the activities lined up for the celebration.

    The activities which officially begins on October 5th with a lecture would run through to November 17, 2018.

    Prof Olayinka who noted that the 70-year-old would need as much as N30billion annually to achieve its goal of attaining world class standard however said, the institution is already restrategising to open up diverse streams of income to complement what it gets from the Federal Government.

    He also stated that the institution’s council has approved the conversion of its Post Graduate School to Post Graduate College, saying, “with this development, the college will now be headed by a provost who will be assisted by two deputy provosts and two registrars.”

    Olayinka said, “We are exploring ways that UI can make itself less dependent on government funding. We are adopting a two-pronged approach involving a resource mobilization plan and prudent management of the available resources.

    Read Also: Colleges of education shutdown as COEASU joins NLC strike

    “Elements of these include a regular income from commercial and increasing the endowment fund, research grants and the strategic funds that UI has available to use as it deems fit, to direct our course through these troubles and difficult times and beyond.

    “In particular, we are partnering with industry, government and other stakeholders; strengthen our Consultancy services, encourage grantsmanship, mobilize funds from willing individuals and organisations including alumni, friends and the general public, consolidate the business established by the University such as UI Microfinance bank, UI ventures, UI water, Animal Production Venture, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Sawmilling which also provide training in entrepreneurship for  students.

    “The UI publishing House, UI endowment fund and the UI bookshop will be re-organised to operate optimally with definite targets. We encourage departments to engage in business sprinted consultancies and support collaboration with industry.

    “Following approval by the Council of the University, a holding company Platinum UI Commercial Enterprises limited is being registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission under which umbrella all the commercial-oriented outfits in the university will operate.

    “For us to be a world class university, we need to invest heavily in physical and infrastructural facilities, to address the acute shortage of office spaces for staff, classrooms and laboratories.

    “Presently the institution’s subvention is about N13b, which is a far cry from what is needed to maintain the institution. Out of this N13b, salaries are paid, electricity bills which run to millions of naira is paid, water and healthcare are provided among other things.

    “If the premier university is properly funded, within a shortest possible time, it would be among the top five in Africa and top 100 in the world.”

     

  • 2019 Polls: Abdulsalami warns against Nigeria’s disintegration

    Former Head of state,  Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, on Friday said he will forever be an enemy of anyone that tried to hinder the democratic development of Nigeria or plunge Nigeria into crisis.

    Abdualsaslami said this at the Maiden Edition of General Abdulsalami Abubakar Foundation Peace Lecture, organised by the staff and students of the Abdulsalami Abubakar Post Graduate Students’ Hall of the University of Ibadan. The lecture was titled; “Collaborative Peace Building in Nigeria,”

    He cautioned politicians against disrupting the 2019 general elections, saying “we have no other place to run to should the country be engulfed by fire”.

    According to the former head of state, Nigeria cannot be that great nation we all want,  except we all agree to collectively work together and collaborate on peace.

    “Peace is not absence of disagreement. Every society must have disagreements. This is because we are not born alike, even twins do not operate in a like manner,” hence there is nothing wrong with people having disagreements.

    “What is expected is that when we have disagreements we would find peaceful solutions to the issues, ” he said.

    He said there can be no sustainable development where people find it difficult to deal with the problems around them peacefully.

    Read Also: NSCDC deploys over 10,000 operatives for Osun guber poll

    “It is therefore, my honest opinion that we are going nowhere until we have a national consensus to work for peace.

    “What our politicians should focus upon at a time like this is to be working with professionals on how to make a difference in 2019.”

    The former head of state stressed the need for Nigerians to focus more on addressing the escalating development crisis in the land.

    “No matter how good those managing INEC are, if things are not well managed as they are, it might be difficult for us to have credible elections in 2019,” he said.

    He advised the students to reject being used in the forthcoming elections and not be allowed to be dragged into electoral malfeasance and violence.

    He also appealed to politicians to be more conciliatory in their relationship and public utterances.

    “INEC must be an unbiased umpire. The security agencies in the country must be fair to all, people must be free to vote their leaders”.

    The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Idowu Olayinka, praised the former head of state, adding “it is very rare for a military head of state to say he has to grant the wishes  of the people for a democratic government.

    “This is the kind of things we need in Nigeria for our leaders to forge peace in the country,” he haid.

    The University presented a peace award to Gen. Abdulsalami, while a cafeteria was built in his honour.

    Some Dignitaries at the event included former minister of Petroleum, Tam David West, the GOC, 2 Division, Fidelis Azinta,  former Executive Secretary, TETFund Prof.  Suleiman Bogoro and the state governor, Abiola Ajimobi.

     

  • Dangote opens business school in UI

    The School of Business donated to the University of Ibadan (UI) by  the chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has been commissioned and named Aliko Dangote Complex.

    The building was opened after third Eminent Person Business Lecture held at Trenchard Hall.

    Representative of Alhaji Dangote, Mr Ahmed Mansour, delivered a keynote lecture titled: A case for backward integration, in which he urged people to return to agriculture. He harped on the need for Nigerians to embrace agriculture, noting that food business remained lucrative all time and seasons.

    Mansour said the business world was in need of professionals versed in “clear knowledge of management principle”.

    He said: “The modern business world is in need of pediatrician, engineer and managers, because today’s business thrives when people with clear knowledge of management principle play key role. We hope the Business School produces great entrepreneur that will make wave in world of business.”

    Halima Dangote, a Member Board of Trustees, Aliko Dangote Foundation Board, urged members of the audience to work hard and never to nurture fear of failure.

    She said: “It took Dangote 30 years to build a solid brand beyond the shore of Nigeria. He had failed many times but he never took his eyes off the ball. But, it is not all about failure, it is more about moving forward after you fail. You should never take your eyes off the ball. Starting small is also part of the game.”

    The Director of the UI School of Business, Prof Adenike Osofisan, disclosed that the construction of the building was done by Nigerians, saying the school did not engage foreigners in the construction of the Business School.

    The Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Idowu Olayinka, disclosed that over N200 million was spent on the complex through the support of the Dangote Foundation.

    Dignitaries at the event included Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi, represented by Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Adeniyi Olowofela; Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Council, Nde Waklek Joshua Mukta,; Chief Executive Officer of Aliko Dangote Foundation, Zouera Youssoufou, and  Deans of faculties, among others.

  • UI releases date for Post-UTME screening

    The management of the University of Ibadan, Ibadan on Wednesday said it has picked September 14 and 15 for its 2018/2019 post-UTME screening exercise.

    The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Idowu Olayinka made this disclosure via a statement issued on Wednesday, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan.

    Olayinka in the statement said, “This is to inform all prospective candidates for the 2018/19 admission exercise who have successfully uploaded their biodata/credentials that the post UTME screening will come up on Friday, 14 and Saturday, 15 September 2018. Please note that only candidates who scored 200 and above are eligible for the exercise.

    Read Also: UNILAG begins post-UTME screening

    “Furthermore, with effect from 2017/18 session, the institutional cut off mark of 200 is applicable to all the institutions affiliated to the University of Ibadan.

    “Contrary to insinuations in some quarters that the cut-off mark for our affiliated institutions is 180, the University wishes to reiterate that, as approved by the Senate of the University of Ibadan, 200 is the cut-off mark for both the main campus and the affiliated institutions.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the newly introduced Central Admission Processing System CAPS) by JAMB makes it practically impossible for candidates below the institutional cut- off mark to be offered admission.

    “Candidates who scored 200 and above at the UTME and who wish to change to any of our affiliated institutions are welcome to do so. A list of these institutions is available on our website (ui.edu.ng)”.

  • ‘UI research farm promoting food production’

    The University of Ibadan(UI)  is using its research farm to  increase food production in the region.

    In a statement, a  faculty member of the varsity, Dr Thomas Adesina said the farm is training Nigerians on adding value to agricultural products to improve food production.

    According to him, one of the varsity’s objectives is to provide a solution to the nation’s lingering problems, among which are food insecurity and wild life preservation.

    He  explained that the  farm since its establishment in 1949 has been an effective centre for the practising classroom instruction and research with the objectives ranging from enhancing research capacity building for a more holistic institutional development, developing strategies for proactive sourcing of research grants, scholarships and fellowship, engaging in and maintain collaboration and strategic partnership with public and private institution with similar goal and vision,  promoting and bringing a desired change within and outside the university community and the society at large.

    The principal activities of the  teaching and research farms, according to him, also covers agricultural research and practical education specifically, and add value to socio-economic development through increasing productivity or agricultural yield per hectare through the dissemination of relevant information about new discoveries in the field of pest control, rainfall optimisation, breed/species upgrades, soil nutrition enhancements.

    The others are driving efficiency in the agricultural value chain, improving the conditions of living of small leasehold farmers who rely on agricultural extension services to achieve effectiveness and efficiency of resources, and in all promote national food security.

    He  added that the farms serve as a training ground for students from other institutions for practical exposure.

    Apart from its year four agric undergraduates, Adesina said the farm host students from the University of  Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)  yearly. These include students from other universities, mono-technics and colleges of agriculture, such as Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso (LAUTECH), Osun State University, Osogbo, Federal College of Agriculture (FCA), Ibadan, Federal College of Animal Health & Production Technology (FCAHPT), Ibadan, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH), Igbo- Ora, and Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo.

    A very vibrant unit of the farm, he  added,  is the oil palm section,  established in 1955. The oil produced is sold commercially and is of very high quality and is in high demand, due to the standard method of processing and growing innovations of product developments and improvements.

  • Govt to synergise ICT institutions for enhanced performance

    The Minister of Communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu on Friday says there is need to strengthen the weak institutional frameworks in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector in a way that would foster synergy among existing ICT institutions in the overall interest of the country.

    He made the disclosure at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, venue of an ongoing two days 2018 Ministerial Retreat of the Federal Ministry of Communications.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony of the retreat with the theme “Mobilizing ICT Institutions for Driving Economic Recovery and Growth”, the minister emphasized that the influence of ICT on the socio-economic life of the people cannot be ignored if trade, commerce and even security must be enhanced.

    Shittu, a lawyer, said the “retreat is aimed at bringing together the strategic management staff of the ministry and its agencies to take stock of activities and achievements in the sector. The major objective of the retreat is to build synergy between the ministry and its agencies, strengthen the policy framework and agree on targets for the near future.”

    He stated that the strategies and initiatives on the ICT sector could be effectively achieved if the ministry and its agencies work collaboratively, adding that ICT has continued to expand the boundaries of possibilities and that it has become more critical for participation in economic, political and social life in national and international levels.

    Read Also: ICT firm unveiled

    He said, “To reinforce our review process, we will be projecting the future by identifying smart, attainable, realistic and time-bound targets to guide our actions in the near future. There is no doubt that agreeing targets will facilitate our accountability framework with respect to the outcome indicators in the sector.”

    Speaking in the same vein, The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communication, Mr AbdulAzeez Abdullahi, said the retreat was premised on restoring growth, investing in people and building a globally competitive economy.

    He stated that ICT being an enabler for economic growth and development is envisaged to drive the successful implementation of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of the FG if harnessed effectively and efficiently.

  • Kebbi releases N51m for rehabilitation of VVF centre

    Kebbi State Government says it has released N51 million for the rehabilitation and provision of facilities at Vesico-Vaginal Fistula ( VVF )centre in the state.

    Gov. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu made the disclosure at a dinner on Sunday at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi,in honour of the visiting members of the surgical team for VVF patients in the state.

    The Chief Press Secretary Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Dakingeri, in a statement issued on Monday in Birnin Kebbi, said the Secretary to State Government, Alhaji Babale Yauri, represented the governor at the occasion

    “The state government has approved the release of N51 million for the rehabilitation and provision of facilities to VVF centre in Birinin Kebbi,” the governor said.

    Bagudu expressed appreciation for the excellent job done by the team which comprises 16 doctors and 34 nurses who he noted treated many VVF patients free of charge.

    In his remarks, the leader of the team, Prof. Ojengbede Oladosu, from University of Ibadan said the doctors performed successful corrective surgery on 34 VVF patients in the state.

    He described Kebbi State VVF centre as one of the best centres with high standard facilities, adding that doctors at the centre were performing their duties credibly.

    The team leader pledged the readiness of the team to return to the state, if need arises and also to conduct more training programmes for VVF medical personnel.

    Earlier, the Commissioner of Health, Alhaji Umar Kambaza, said state government had invested heavily in the health sector, stressing that government would welcome doctors and nurses to the state for health related outreach.

    VVF, according to experts is a serious disability that can be experienced by women after childbirth.

  • UI withdraws 408 students for poor performance

    No fewer than 408 students of the University of Ibadan have been asked to withdraw from the Premier University for failure to meet the minimum academic requirements to stay in the University.

    The Senate of the University has ratified the withdrawal at its meeting where results of graduating and non-graduating students were considered and approved.

    Investigations revealed that three-quarter of those asked to leave the university were those in 100 level who were admitted into the university without writing the Post-UTME screening examinations.

    The University of Ibadan had admitted a total of 3,483 for the 2016/2017 session when there was opposition to the conduct of post-UTME screening.

    The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Adeyinka Aderinto in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan stated that the University of Ibadan will continue to uphold its standards despite dwindling funding to the university by adhering to global standards.

    The DVC asked parents of those students returning to the University to ensure that they monitor to ensure that their wards who have been asked to withdraw from the university do not lie and continue to extort money in the name of being a student at the University.

    According to professor Aderinto, the conduct of UI Model of Post-UTME screening has helped to separate ‘men from boys’ and helped the institution in maintaining its historical standard as a global brand.

    “The University is determined to uphold standards. We are saying that being admitted to the University of Ibadan is a rarely privilege that require students to be up and doing in their studies. There are minimum academic requirements a student must meet at the end of the session and those who fall short of that would have to leave the university. UI has been able to invent her own model of screening applicants and it has shown that those who we screened performed far better than those not subjected to our screening after taking JAMB.”

  • Rainstorm destroys students’ properties in UI

    An evening downpour in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, has destroyed some buildings at the University of Ibadan (UI). The affected buildings had their roofs blown off by rainstorm, which also destroyed some property in the town.

    The university community woke up to the reality of the destruction witnessed in Block C in Lord Tedder Hall and Students’ Union building.

    Although, no life was lost, the rainstorm which lasted for few hours destroyed properties of students living in Lord Tedder Hall. The rooms destroyed in the hall included Room 4,5,6 and 7.

    Also, only the ceiling layer was left at the Students’ Union building, which had its roof blown off by the wind. The building has been under lock and key since last May, following a students’ protest that led to the proscription of the union.

    Occupants of the affected rooms described the incident as natural disaster, but they expressed disappointment in the management for using “low-quality roofing materials” for the hall.

    One of the affected students, who did not want his name in print, relived the incident. He said: “My roommates and I were not in the room when the incident happened. We were called that our properties have been damaged. So, we rushed back to the room and met our personal effects floating on water. All our mattresses, books and clothes were soaked.”

    The students said the hall was due for renovation many years ago, lamenting the management’s attitude towards putting the hall in good shape.

    A student living in Room C6 said: “They have not carried out renovation in the hostel for years. Chemistry department and Geology were recently renovated because it might affect lecturers. We are afraid now, because they may use the destruction as an excuse to justify the increase in accommodation fee. Since 2015 that I have been living in the hall, there has not been any renovation done.”

    Another victim, who identified himself as Damola, said he was in the room when the rainstorm blew open the roof.

    “First, I heard the sound of broken louvers. Then, the ceiling blew off. I had to carry my laptop and some things I could get my hands on.”

    Another victim said: “The level of devastation is too much. I have stayed in this room for one year. Now all my properties have been destroyed by the rain. I cannot see some personal belongings. Although this could have been seen as a natural disaster, we should thank God no life was lost. I’ll advise the management to fix the rooms on time.”